Schererville, Lake County--
On 11/22/2016 at approximately 3:00 a.m., Indiana State Police were contacted by the Schererville Police Department for assistance with investigating a single vehicle crash that occured in their jurisdiction. The suspect vehicle had struck an unoccupied parked car. Schererville Police identified the driver as Joseph Hardiman age 34. Hardiman is currently employed by the Lake County Sheriff's Department and holds the rank of Sergeant. Schererville contacted the Indiana State Police to conduct an independent Operating While Intoxicated investigation on the driver.
Tpr. Jason Pratt was then assigned to investigate. Preliminary investigation revealed that at approximately 3:00 a.m., the Schererville Police Dept. was dispatched to a single vehicle property damage crash in the 5400 block of 75th Avenue. Further investigation by Pratt revealed that Hardiman stated that he had attempted to avoid a deer that ran out in front of his vehicle. Hardiman was operating a 2009 Ford van which is his personal vehicle. Hardiman drove to the left side of the road striking a parked unoccupied 2007 Dodge Caliber. Damage to both vehicles was substantial. Additional investigation by Pratt resulted in Hardiman submitting to a certified chemical test which was the breath test. Hardiman registered .19% b.a.c (Blood Alcohol Content). Hardiman was then transported to the Lake County Jail for processing.
Any questions regarding Hardiman's employment status should be directed to the Lake County Sheriff's Department. The Indiana State Police do not currently have a photo of Hardiman.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Master Trooper Glen Fifield
Indiana State Police
District #13
